In a dramatic twist at Pocono Raceway, Layne Riggs captured his first major NASCAR Trucks Series victory after race leader Corey Heim suffered a devastating tire issue in the final laps. The race, held under ideal conditions at the iconic “Tricky Triangle,” was full of intensity, with strategy, patience, and late-race luck playing crucial roles in shaping the final outcome.

Heim’s Heartbreak, Riggs’ Redemption

Corey Heim appeared to be in full control for most of the race, dominating stage two and building a solid lead going into the final stretch. But with less than 10 laps to go, disaster struck. A sudden right-front tire failure on Heim’s truck forced him to slow dramatically, opening the door for trailing drivers.

Layne Riggs, who had been maintaining a steady pace and managing his equipment throughout the afternoon, capitalized instantly. Riggs powered through the gap, took the lead, and never looked back.

“Obviously, it’s tough to see something like that happen to Corey,” Riggs said in Victory Lane. “He had a great truck all day. But in racing, you’ve got to be ready when opportunity knocks—and today, we answered.”

A Long Time Coming

For Riggs, the Pocono win marks a major milestone in his young career. The son of former NASCAR driver Scott Riggs, Layne has steadily carved his own path in the sport, transitioning from local short tracks to the national spotlight. His win at Pocono not only boosts his standing in the Truck Series playoff picture but also signals that he’s a serious contender moving forward.

“This is for everyone who’s believed in me,” Riggs said. “We’ve had our ups and downs, but today proves we belong at this level.”

A Tough Break for Heim

For Corey Heim, who had led 43 of the race’s 60 laps, the tire issue was a crushing blow. As one of the top contenders in the series, Heim had been on pace for another dominant win that would further cement his playoff position.

“Nothing you can do when the tire gives out like that,” Heim said post-race. “It’s frustrating, but we’ll bounce back. We had the fastest truck today—we just didn’t get the finish to match.”

Championship Picture Tightens

With Riggs earning his breakthrough win and Heim’s misfortune shaking up the leaderboard, the race at Pocono may prove pivotal in the run-up to the playoffs. Riggs’ points jump will add pressure to other mid-pack contenders, while Heim’s loss reminds everyone how quickly fortunes can change in NASCAR.

As the Truck Series heads into its final stretch before the postseason, one thing is clear: Layne Riggs is no longer just a promising name—he’s a proven winner.

And at Pocono, when opportunity knocked, he answered with authority.